Posture improvement device, system, and method

ABSTRACT

A posture improvement device, system, and method. The system for improving posture may comprise: a sensor device; posture improvement software program, comprising a posture improvement system interface; and one or more user devices. The sensor device may be physically associated with a user and may communicate with the posture improvement software program. The sensor device may comprise: one or more sensors for monitoring positions and movements of the user. The system may calculate one or more optimum postural positions for the user, based on data communicated by the sensor device and collected information about the user. The system may monitor a conformance of the user with the optimum postural positions and may display the conformance on the posture improvement system interface. The system may detect and notify the user of one or more non-conformances, such that a user is reminded to maintain at least one optimum postural position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation in Part of U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 16/851,508, now U.S. Pat. No. xx,xxx,xxx,filed on Apr. 17, 2020. U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.16/851,508 is a Continuation in Part of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 16/393,483, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,307,083, filed onApr. 24, 2019, which is a Continuation in Part of U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 16/055,621, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,307,083,filed on Aug. 6, 2018, which is a Continuation of U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 15/914,136, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,064,572,filed on Mar. 7, 2018, which is a Continuation in Part of U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/676,137, filed on Aug.14, 2017, which is a Divisional Application of U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 14/918,334, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,763,603,filed on Oct. 20, 2015, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/066,800 filed on Oct. 21, 2014, the contents of allof which are incorporated herein by this reference as though set forthin their entirety, and to which priority and benefit are claimed.

FIELD OF USE

The present disclosure relates generally to systems for improvingposture, and more particularly, to systems that conditions a user topractice improved posture through real-time viewing monitoring of theirown posture, warnings, reminders to exercise and stretch programs, andbehavioral modification.

BACKGROUND

There is a strong correlation between good posture and good health. Manyproductive hours are lost each year due to pain and sickness associatedwith posture-induced health issues. Improved posture has been shown toincrease levels of dopamine and testosterone produced by the brain, andresearch has indicated that correction of postural kyphosis in patientswith ADHD may lead to a significant reduction of ADHD symptoms. Whenpeople operate with good posture, research indicates that performanceregarding mental acuity, self-esteem, and physiological efficiency isimproved. Thus, providing insight and a mechanism for improving posturehas been a desirable goal for many people as it improves mentalperformance and overall health.

Unfortunately, the demands of the modern work environment have resultedin poor posture for many individuals. Whether caused by a chronicallyincorrect static body position at a workstation, limited motion while atthe workstation, or a repetitive motion induced by an occupationalrequirement, the modern work environment has contributed to improperposture for millions of people, which has negatively impacted the healthof those millions of people. This poor posture is increasing and beingfurther exacerbated by the increased use of devices such as smartdevices, both in all facets of our lives. Despite the wide range ofinformation provided by these electronic devices, they have yet toprovide corrective insight towards improving the health of the user byan effective posture conditioning program, such as teaching the user newthings about themselves and new habits.

Every person has four to eight positions in which they spend apredominant majority of their waking time. Each represents anopportunity to establish the most optimum position for physical andmental function. They are distinct Optimum Postural Positions (OPP) thatare determined by that person's individual anatomy and the specific taskperformed by that person (whether occupational or leisure). Most peoplehave a minimum of five physical positions where they spend 80% of theirtime—i.e. computer data input, driving, walking. As a result, thesepositions, if held incorrectly, may negatively impact overall health andmental performance of the person. Unfortunately, even once a person isaware of his or her OPP, it is difficult for that person to changehis/her postural behavior due to a lack of insight, understanding, andneuromuscular sensation of what good posture is. Thus, there is a needto teach, condition, and train an individual to overcome poor habits inorder to maintain his or her various OPP through a gradual exercise,movement and strength training program, resulting in insight by the userinto their own neuromuscular system and good habits.

Currently, many individuals are aware of their bad posture as amanifestation of the pain or discomfort they suffer. These individuals,however, lack the insight of how to correct their posture because theydo not know their OPP, how to maintain their OPP, and/or are not evenaware when they are not in their OPP.

Therefore, there is a need for a device, system, and method that canidentify an individual's OPP, teach an individual to maintain their OPP,and monitor an individual's posture in order to expose them to properposture in real time and alert them when they are not properlypracticing their OPP. Preferably, the new device, system, and methodwill: (1) identify the OPP of an individual; (2) insight andneuromuscular sensation of being in OPP and falling out of OPP; (3)encourage an individual to practice their OPP; (4) monitor the posturalbehavior of an individual; and (5) provide movement, stretching, andstrength conditioning programs based on recorded posture behaviors ofthe individual.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize otherlimitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding thepresent disclosure, the present specification discloses a new andimproved device, system, and method for improving posture.

The posture improvement system may comprise a sensor device, a userdevice and software that calculate optimal postural positions and allowa user to maintain the different optimal postural positions (OPP) theyfrequent most, through real time feedback, warnings, and reminders.

It is an object to provide a device, system, and method for improvingthe posture of a user.

It is an object to provide a device, system, and method configured to:(1) identify the OPP of an individual; (2) teach by providing insight tothe user to practice their OPP; (3) monitor the postural behavior of anindividual in real-time; and (4) record postural patterns over time todevelop improved posture conditioning programs for the user.

It is an object to provide a device, system, and method configured tocorrect the posture of a user through behavioral modification.

It is an object to provide a device, system, and method configured tocorrect the posture of a user through the use of negative feedback,positive feedback, and neuromuscular conditioning.

It is an object to provide one or more sensors configured to measure theweight, pressure, the orientation, steps, the heart rate, the bloodpressure, the gyroscopic orientation, and the respiration of a user.

It is an object to provide a new and improved device, system, and methodthat facilitates a user to correct his or her posture.

It is an object to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.

One embodiment of the system for improving posture may comprise: asensor device; a posture improvement software program, which comprises aposture improvement system interface; and one or more user smartdevices. The sensor device may be configured to be physically associatedwith a user. The sensor device communicates with the posture improvementsoftware program. The sensor device comprises: one or more sensors,which when physically associated with the user, monitor a physicalposition of the user and one or more movements of the user. The postureimprovement software program may be configured to operate on the one ormore user smart devices. The posture improvement system interface may bedisplayed to the user on the one or more user smart devices. Thesoftware program may be configured to collect information about theuser. The system for improving posture calculates one or more optimumpostural positions for the user, based on data communicated by thesensor device and the collected information about the user. The systemfor improving posture monitors a conformance of the user with at leastone of the one or more optimum postural positions. The system forimproving posture displays the users conformance on the postureimprovement system interface. The posture improvement system detects andnotifies the user of one or more non-conformances, such that a user maybe reminded to maintain the at least one of the one or more optimumpostural positions. The displaying of the conformance of the user withat least one of the one or more optimum postural positions is via atarget and a posture target ball. The posture target ball may besubstantially within a center of the target when the user may be in theconformance with the at least one of the one or more optimum posturalpositions. When the user fails to maintain the at least one of the oneor more optimum postural positions, the posture target ball is notsubstantially within the center of the target and posture improvementsystem interface notifies the user of the one or more non-conformances.When the user fails to maintain the at least one of the one or moreoptimum postural positions, the user device may be substantiallydisabled until the user corrects the non-conformance. The notifying ofthe user of the one or more non-conformances may be selected from thegroup of notifications consisting of: a sound; a flash of light; avibration; and a color change of the posture improvement systeminterface. The posture improvement system interface comprises: a target;a target posture ball; an instructions screen; a warning settingsscreen; a devices screen; and an optimum postural position settings(which may be named by the user by activity) screen. The one or moreoptimum postural positions may be selected by the user and by positionassociated with any activity, from the positions consisting of: a seatedposition; a reading position; a working position; a seated typingposition; a phone use position; a standing position; a walking position;and a relaxing position. The one or more user devices may be selectedfrom the group of devices consisting of: a smart phone; a laptopcomputer; a smart television; a mouse; a monitor; a chair; a tablet; asmart watch; a keyboard; eyewear, and a computer. A sensitivity of thenotifying of the one or more non-conformances may be adjustable. Theposture improvement software program further comprises an activitynotification. The activity notification requires the user to perform amovement of the user's body such that the target posture ball movesalong a suggested path on the target.

Another embodiment may be a sensor device for improving posture,comprising: one or more sensors; a communication device; and a harness.The harness may be configured to allow the sensor device to be worn by auser. The communication device may be configured to communicate with oneor more user devices. The one or more sensors detect a physical positionof the user and one or more movements by the user, such that a pluralityof sensor data may be created. The communication device transmits theplurality of sensor data to the one or more user devices. The detectionand transmission of the plurality of sensor data may be configured toallow the user to maintain one or more optimum postural positions. Thesensor device may further comprise a memory unit; wherein the memoryunit stores the plurality of sensor data. The one or more sensorscomprise: a plurality of accelerometers and a plurality of gyroscopes.The plurality of accelerometers comprise three tri-axial accelerometersand the plurality of gyroscopes comprise three tri-axial rategyroscopes. The harness may be poseable, conforms to the user, and hooksover both shoulders of the user. The harness may be configured tosecurely hold the one or more sensors between the first and the tenththoracic vertebrae of the user. The harness may be an article ofclothing. The posture improvement software system may comprise aconditioning program. The conditioning program may recommend an intervalprogram based on a postural behavior of the user; and the conditioningprogram provides insight to the user regarding the postural behavior ofthe user.

Another embodiment of the system for improving posture may comprise: asmart phone; and a posture improvement software program operating on thesmart phone. The smart phone comprises at least one accelerometer and atleast one gyroscope. The posture improvement software program uses theat least one accelerometer and the at least one gyroscope to determinean optimum phone position when the phone is being used by a user. Theposture improvement software program requires the user to maintain theoptimum phone position, such that when the optimum phone position is notmaintained, the posture improvement software program temporarilydisables the smart phone at least until the smart phone is returned tothe optimum phone position In other embodiments the phone may not bedisabled but other notifying events may be set by user.

Another embodiment of the system for gradually improving posture maycomprise: a smart phone or other user device; a posture improvementsoftware program operating on the smartphone or other user device; andinformation gathered by the user regarding physical body type and size,physical capabilities, and goals of the user. The information gatheredfrom the user is utilized by the posture improvement software program toform a gradual exercise, stretch, and conditioning program such thatproper posture achieved in a safe manner. The gradual conditioningprogram is separated into three consecutive phases: stretch and activityphase, time spent in perfect posture phase, and a phase of good, butchair supported posture. The gradual conditioning program will determinethrough algorithm the ratio of time spent in each phase such that theuser can gradually build muscle capacity to perform perfect posture forlonger periods of time. Example 1: if the user is really strong then theprogram may comprise a 5 minute stretch, 30 minutes perfect posture, and25 minutes relaxed posture (cycle time 1 hour). Over time, the programmay change to a 5 minute stretch, 50 minutes perfect posture, and a 5minute relaxed posture, and so on. Example 2: if the beginning user isrelatively weak with limited mobility, the program may start with a 10minute stretch, 10 minutes of perfect posture, and 40 minutes of relaxedposture. Over time, the program may increase difficulty to 10 minutes ofstretch, 20 minutes of perfect posture, and 30 minutes relaxed posture,and so on. This embodiment may also include an intensive conditioningprogram at the initiation of an OPP setting—i.e. at a work station. Thisfeature may require a higher ratio of perfect posture time phase, andless time spent in stretch and relaxed posture. Subsequently, thegradual conditioning program will be resumed for the remainder of timespent at the workstation.

Another embodiment of this system comprises: a smart phone or other userdevice; a target and target ball displayed on a smartphone or other userdevice; tracking of the target ball on the display temporally to relayposture behavioral patterns; and a posture software conditioningprogram. The temporal tracking of the target ball will allow the user torecognize their own postural behavior patterns. In addition, temporaltracking of the target ball will allow the posture software conditioningprogram to select a specific conditioning activity to correct improperposture.

Another embodiment may be a device, system, and/or method for improvingposture, comprising: one or more sensor; a software program, a computer,and an indicator; wherein the one or more sensor may be configured tomonitor posture of a user; wherein the software program may beconfigured to run on the computer; wherein the software program may beconfigured to accept information about the user; wherein the softwareprogram may be configured to calculate an optimum postural positionbased on measurements collected by the one or more sensor and theinformation about the user; wherein the one or more sensor may beconfigured to monitor conformance of the user with the calculatedoptimum postural position and may send information on conformance of theuser with the calculated optimum postural position to the softwareprogram; wherein the software program may be configured to prompt theindicator to provide a signal to the user. The one or more sensor may beconfigured to determine a weight, a pressure, an orientation, a heartrate, a blood pressure, a gyroscopic orientation, and a respiration ofthe user. The system may further comprise a camera; wherein the softwareprogram may be configured to accept data from the camera; wherein thesoftware program may be configured to calculate the optimum posturalposition based on measurements collected by the one or more sensor, datafrom the camera, and the information about the user; wherein the cameramay be configured to monitor conformance of the user with the calculatedoptimum postural position. The indicator may comprise: a screen, aspeaker, and a sensor; wherein the screen may display a visual signal inresponse to the one or more sensor detecting that the user is not in thecalculated optimum postural position; wherein the speaker may provide anauditory signal in response to the one or more sensor detecting that theuser is not in the calculated optimum postural position; and wherein theone or more sensor may provide a tactile signal in response to thesensor detecting that the user is not in the calculated optimum posturalposition. The indicator may also comprise one or more computeraccessory; wherein the one or more computer accessory may cease tofunction in response to the one or more sensor detecting the user is notin the calculated optimum postural position; wherein the one or morecomputer accessory may function in response to the one or more sensordetecting the user has returned to the calculated optimum posturalposition. The one or more sensor may comprise a mechanism for affixing;wherein the mechanism of affixing may comprise an adhesive, a hook andloop, a button, and a snap. The system for improving posture maycomprise six sensors, wherein the six sensors may comprise: a firstsensor, a second sensor, a third sensor, a fourth sensor, a fifthsensor, and a sixth sensor; wherein the first sensor may be configuredto be located under a right sits bone of the user; wherein the secondsensor may be configured to be located under a left sits bone of theuser; wherein the third sensor may be configured to be located under aright foot of the user; wherein the fourth sensor may be configured tobe located under a left foot of the user; wherein the fifth sensor maybe configured to be located on a right shoulder of the user; and whereinthe sixth sensor may be configured to be located on a left shoulder ofthe user. The software program may be configured to store data from theone or more sensor; wherein the software program may be configured toprovide real-time feedback on posture of the user. The software programmay be configured to analyze the information from the one or more sensorand provide a suggestion of an appropriate stretch and an appropriateexercise required for the user to improve conformance with thecalculated optimum postural position.

Another embodiment of the device, system, and/or method for improvingposture, may comprise: one or more initial sensor, one or more aligningsensor, a software program, a computer, and an indicator; wherein theone or more initial sensor may be configured to monitor an initialposture of a user; wherein the software program may be configured to runon the computer; wherein the software program may be configured toaccept information about the user; wherein the software program may beconfigured to calculate an optimum postural position based onmeasurements collected by the one or more initial sensor and theinformation about the user; wherein the one or more aligning sensor maybe configured to monitor conformance of the user with the calculatedoptimum postural position and send information on conformance of theuser with the calculated optimum postural position to the softwareprogram; wherein the software program may be configured to prompt theindicator to provide a signal to the user. The one or more initialsensor may be configured to determine a weight, a pressure, anorientation, a heart rate, a blood pressure, a gyroscopic orientation,and a respiration of the user. The system may further comprise a camera;wherein the software program may be configured to accept data from thecamera; wherein the software program may be configured to calculate theoptimum postural position based on measurements collected by the one ormore initial sensor, data from the camera, and the information about theuser; wherein the camera may be configured to monitor conformance of theuser with the calculated optimum postural position. The indicator maycomprise: a screen, a speaker, and one or more aligning sensor; whereinthe screen may display a visual signal in response to the one or morealigning sensor detecting that the user is not in the calculated optimumpostural position; wherein the speaker may provide an auditory signal inresponse to the one or more aligning sensor detecting that the user isnot in the calculated optimum postural position; and wherein the one ormore initial sensor may provide a tactile signal in response to the oneor more aligning sensor detecting that the user is not in the calculatedoptimum postural position. The indicator may also comprise one or morecomputer accessory; wherein the one or more computer accessory may ceaseto function in response to the one or more aligning sensor detectingthat the user is not in the calculated optimum postural position;wherein the one or more computer accessory may function in response tothe one or more aligning sensor detecting that the user has returned tothe calculated optimum postural position. The one or more initial sensorand the one or more aligning sensor may comprise a mechanism foraffixing; wherein the mechanism for affixing may comprise an adhesive, ahook and loop, a button, and a snap. The system for improving posturemay comprise six initial sensors, wherein the six initial sensors maycomprise: a first initial sensor, a second initial sensor, a thirdinitial sensor, a fourth initial sensor, a fifth initial sensor, and asixth initial sensor; wherein the first initial sensor may be configuredto be located under a right sits bone of the user; wherein the secondinitial sensor may be configured to be located under a left sits bone ofthe user; wherein the third initial sensor may be configured to belocated under a right foot of the user; wherein the fourth initialsensor may be configured to be located under a left foot of the user;wherein the fifth initial sensor may be configured to be located on aright shoulder of the user; and wherein the sixth initial sensor may beconfigured to be located on a left shoulder of the user. The softwareprogram may be configured to store data from the one or more aligningsensor; wherein the software program may be configured to providereal-time feedback on posture of the user. The software program may alsobe configured to analyze the information from the one or more aligningsensor and provide a suggestion of an appropriate stretch and anappropriate exercise required for the user to improve conformance withthe calculated optimum postural position.

Another embodiment of the device, system, and/or method for improvingposture, may comprise: six initial sensors, one or more aligning sensor,a software program, a computer, a camera, and one or more indicator;wherein the six initial sensors may be configured to monitor an initialposture of a user; wherein the six initial sensors may be configured todetermine a weight, a pressure, an orientation, a heart rate, a bloodpressure, a gyroscopic orientation, and a respiration of the user;wherein the six initial sensors and the one or more aligning sensor maycomprise a mechanism for affixing; wherein the mechanism for affixingmay comprise an adhesive, a hook and loop, a button, and a snap; whereinthe software program may be configured to run on the computer; whereinthe software program may be configured to accept information about theuser; wherein the software program may be configured to accept data fromthe camera; wherein the software program may be configured to calculatean optimum postural position based on measurements collected by the sixinitial sensors, the camera, and the information about the user; whereinthe one or more aligning sensor and the camera may be configured tomonitor conformance of the user with the calculated optimum posturalposition and send information on conformance of the user with thecalculated optimum postural position to the software program; whereinthe one or more indicator may comprise: a screen, a speaker, one or morecomputer accessory, and one or more of the six initial sensors; whereinthe software program may be configured to prompt the one or moreindicator to provide a signal to the user; wherein the screen maydisplay a visual signal in response to the one or more aligning sensordetecting that the user is not in the calculated optimum posturalposition; wherein the speaker may provide an auditory signal in responseto the one or more aligning sensor detecting that the user is not in thecalculated optimum postural position; wherein the one or more computeraccessory may cease to function in response to the one or more aligningsensor detecting that the user is not in the calculated optimum posturalposition; wherein the one or more computer accessory may function inresponse to the one or more aligning sensor detecting that the user hasreturned to the calculated optimum postural position; and wherein one ormore of the six initial sensors may provide a tactile signal in responseto the one or more aligning sensor detecting that the user is not in thecalculated optimum postural position; wherein the software program maybe configured to store and analyze data from the one or more aligningsensor; and wherein the software program may be configured to providereal-time feedback on posture of the user and provide a suggestion of anappropriate stretch and an appropriate exercise that may be required forthe user to improve conformance with the calculated optimum posturalposition. The six initial sensors may comprise: a first initial sensor,a second initial sensor, a third initial sensor, a fourth initialsensor, a fifth initial sensor, and a sixth initial sensor; wherein thefirst initial sensor may be configured to be located under a right sitsbone of the user; wherein the second initial sensor may be configured tobe located under a left sits bone of the user; wherein the third initialsensor may be configured to be located under a right foot of the user;wherein the fourth initial sensor may be configured to be located undera left foot of the user; wherein the fifth initial sensor may beconfigured to be located on a right shoulder of the user; and whereinthe sixth initial sensor may be configured to be located on a leftshoulder of the user.

In some embodiments, the sensor may be located in or near the frame of awearer's eyeglasses.

These, as well as other components, steps, features, objects, benefits,and advantages, will now become clear from a review of the followingdetailed description of illustrative embodiments, of the accompanyingdrawings, and of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The drawings show illustrative embodiments, but do not depict allembodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition to or instead ofthe illustrative embodiments. Details that may be apparent orunnecessary may be omitted for the purpose of saving space or for moreeffective illustrations. Some embodiments may be practiced withadditional components or steps and/or without some or all components orsteps provided in the illustrations. When different drawings contain thesame numeral, that numeral refers to the same or similar components orsteps.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of the sensor device forimproving posture.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of one embodiment of the sensor device forimproving posture and shows the sensor device being worn by a user.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of one embodiment of the sensor device forimproving posture and shows the sensor device integrated into a user'sclothing.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of the posture improvementsystem interface and shows the user device as a smart phone.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of one embodiment of the posture improvementsystem interface and shows the user device as a laptop computer.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of one embodiment of the posture improvementsystem interface and shows pop up interface windows.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of one embodiment of the posture improvementsystem interface and shows an activity display.

FIGS. 8A-E are illustrations of several embodiments of the postureimprovement system interface and shows warnings.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of another embodiment of the postureimprovement system and shows that the system may be entirely containedon a user's mobile computing device.

FIG. 10A is an illustration of a user sitting in his/her OPP.

FIG. 10B is an illustration of a user standing in his/her OPP.

FIGS. 11A-C is an illustration of one embodiment of the postureimprovement system interface and shows the interface providing differentusers with their postural behavior patterns.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of another embodiment of the postureimprovement system interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects ofone or more embodiments. However, the one or more embodiments may bepracticed without some or all of these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known procedures and/or components have not beendescribed in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of theembodiments.

While some embodiments are disclosed herein, still other embodimentswill become obvious to those skilled in the art as a result of thefollowing detailed description. These embodiments are capable ofmodifications of various obvious aspects, all without departing from thespirit and scope of protection. The Figures, and their detaileddescriptions, are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and notrestrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particularembodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection.

Definitions

In the following description, certain terminology is used to describecertain features of one or more embodiments. For example, as usedherein, the terms “computer”, “computing device”, or “computer system”refer to any device or machine that processes data or information withan integrated circuit chip, including without limitation, personalcomputers, mainframe computers, workstations, testing equipment,servers, desktop computers, portable computers, laptop computers,embedded computers, wireless devices including cellular phones, personaldigital assistants, tablets, tablet computers, smartphones, portablegame players, and hand-held computers. Computing devices may alsoinclude mobile computing devices such as smartphones, tablets,wearables, and the like.

As used herein, the term “Internet” generally refers to any collectionof networks that utilizes standard protocols, whether Ethernet, Tokenring, Wi-Fi, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), Fiber Distributed DataInterface (FDDI), code division multiple access (CDMA), global systemsfor mobile communications (GSM), long term evolution (LTE), or anycombination thereof. The term “website” refers to any document writtenin a mark-up language including, but not limited to, hypertext mark-uplanguage (HTML) or virtual reality modeling language (VRML), dynamicHTML, extended mark-up language (XML), wireless markup language (WML),or any other computer languages related thereto, as well as to anycollection of such documents reachable through one specific InternetProtocol Address or at one specific World Wide Web site, or any documentobtainable through any particular Uniform Resource Locator (URL).

The terms “application”, “software”, “software application”, or “postureimprovement software program” generally refer to any set ofmachine-readable instructions on a client machine, web interface, and/orcomputer system, that directs a computer's processor to perform specificsteps, processes, or operations disclosed herein. The “application”,“software”, “software application”, and “posture improvement softwareprogram” may comprise one or more modules that direct the operation ofthe computing device or computer system for monitoring a conformance ofthe user with one or more optimum postural positions. For purposes ofthis specification, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuitcomprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelfsemiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discretecomponents. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardwaredevices such as field programmable arrays, programmable array logic,programmable logic devices, and the like. Modules may also beimplemented in software for execution by various types of processors. Anidentified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one ormore physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may, forinstance, be organized as an object procedure, or function.Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need not bephysically located together, but may comprise disparate instructionsstored in different locations, which when joined logically together, maycomprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete ornearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property,state, structure, item, or result. For example, in one embodiment, anobject that is “substantially” located within a housing would mean thatthe object is either completely within a housing or nearly completelywithin a housing. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolutecompleteness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However,generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have thesame overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained.The use of “substantially” is also equally applicable when used in anegative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack ofan action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.

As used herein, the terms “approximately” and “about” generally refer toa deviance of within 5% of the indicated number or range of numbers. Inone embodiment, the term “approximately” and “about”, refer to adeviance of between 1-10% from the indicated number or range of numbers.

It will be appreciated that terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,”“bottom,” “side,” “short,” “long,” “up,” “down,” and “below” used hereinare merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of thecomponents as shown in the figures. It should be understood that anyorientation of the components described herein is within the scope ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of the sensor device forimproving posture. As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the sensordevice 100 for improving posture may be device, wearable, or otherwiseadapted to be worn or connected to the body of a user and may comprise:a minder connector 102, a minder 110, and a harness 115. The minder 110,which is also called a sensor housing or posture sensor device, maycomprise: a housing 116, one or more sensors 117, 118, a power supply120, a wireless connection device 125, and a memory unit 128. The minderconnector 102 may preferably connect the minder 110 to the harness 115.As shown in FIG. 1, the harness 115 may be configured to be placed, andthereby be supported in an essentially static position on the shouldersof a user (shown in FIG. 2). For purposes of this disclosure the termharness refers to any device that allows the minder 110 to be placedbetween the first and the tenth thoracic vertebrae, including, but notlimited to: a Y-shaped dual hook harness, a clip, a strap, a strapsystem, a hanging system, a hanger, a chain, an article of clothing,loop, connector, belt, band, string, tie, clamp, hitch, tether, leash,cable, hoop, and/or cord.

The sensors 117, 118 may comprise one or more axis-relatedaccelerometers and one or more axis-related gyroscopes. The axis-relatedaccelerometers may be primary sensors configured to measure slowermovements of the user. The axis-related gyroscopes may be sensorsconfigured to measure quick or exaggerated changes in the position ofthe user. Additionally, in other embodiments, the sensors 117, 118 mayfurther comprise a pedometer, magnometer, thermometer, respiration ratemeter, heart rate meter, blood pressure meter, light level meter, and/orglobal positioning system. In one embodiment, the accelerometers andgyroscopes may be configured to function as a pedometer, which mayinform the system that the user is walking and amount of distancetraveled.

The magnometer may be configured to detect the orientation of the userduring his or her, the thermometer may be configured to determine boththe ambient temperature and body temperature of the user, and the globalpositioning system may be configured to determine the physical locationof the user. When multiple types of sensors are used, informationgathered by the sensors may help determine multiple characteristics ofthe user such as his or her weight, height, pressure, orientation, heartrate, blood pressure, and respiration rate. The sensors 117, 118 mayallow the system to detect any movement by the user, including forward,back, and/or side tilts, twisting, turning, bending, head position, andbody alignment.

In a preferred embodiment, the minder 110 may have three tri-axialaccelerometers and three tri-axial gyroscopes. Preferably, all sixsensors may be used for calibration of the system, setting the optimumpostural positions (OPP) of the user, and monitoring user adherence tothe OPP.

Preferably, the minder 110 communicates and interfaces with anelectronic data processing unit, sometimes referred to as user devices(shown in FIGS. 4 and 5), in order for the data generated by the sensors117, 118 to be displayed to the user in an efficient and user friendlymanner. In one embodiment, the minder 110 may communicate with the userdevices via a low power point-to-point communication protocol such asBluetooth®. In other embodiments, the minder may also communicate viaother various protocols and technologies such as WiFi®, WiMax®,iBeacon®, near field communication (NFC), and Miracast®. In otherembodiments, the minder 110 may connect in a wired manner to the userdevices.

The power supply 120 may be a battery. In various embodiments, however,the power supply 120 may also comprise an additional power source, suchas alternating current electrically coupled to the sensor device 100.

The memory unit 128 may be used to capture or store data when the minder110 is not connected to a user device. In this manner, the data may belater transmitted and displayed to the user, including whether the userwas maintain his/her OPP. The sensor device or user device may eachhouse memory and process data.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of one embodiment of the sensor device forimproving posture and shows the sensor device being worn by a user. Asshown in FIG. 2, one embodiment of the sensor device 100 may be securedto the user 199 via a harness 115, such that the minder 110 is held bythe minder connector 102 between the T-1 and T-10 vertebra (the firstand tenth thoracic vertebra). When held in this position, the minder 110can sense and measure almost any movement of the user 199, includinghead tilting, bending, twisting, turning, standing, sitting, walking,riding, biking, running, and stretching. Preferably, the harness 115 maybe bendable, flexible, and/or, as preferred, poseable. In this manner,the user 199 can contour the harness 115 to his/her body structure forcomfort and for maintaining the minder 110 in substantially the sameplace during use. In a preferred embodiment, the harness 115 may beconfigured to maximize user comfort. The harness may be substantiallyY-shaped or may comprise a comfortable plastic coating that houses aposeable and conforming wire (or many wires laid in sequence)constructed of a shape-memory alloy. Shape-memory alloys, such as nickeltitanium (NiTi), are also commonly referred to as SMA, smart metal,memory metal, memory alloy, muscle wire, or smart alloy. In this manner,the harness 115 may be heated or electrically charged, put into aspecific shape and then cooled or removed from the charge, such that theharness 115 then holds this specific shape. Although FIG. 2 shows theminder 110 positioned behind the back of the user 199, as is preferred,the minder 115 may be held in other different locations, such as thefront or sides of the user 199.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of one embodiment of the sensor device forimproving posture and shows the sensor device integrated into a user'sclothing. As shown in FIG. 3, another embodiment of the sensor device200 may be a shirt 205 that is worn by user 199. The shirt 205 may havethe minder 110 integrated or sewn into the shirt, or the minder 110 maybe removable and held within a pocket 210 of the shirt. The minder 110preferably comprises a warning and sensor feature that allows the minder110 to notify the user when the minder 110 is attached to an article ofclothing that is doffed. This may help prevent the user 199 fromaccidentally leaving the minder 110 on the clothing before being put inthe washing machine when the user washes his or her clothes. AlthoughFIG. 3 shows the minder 110 positioned behind the back of the user 199,as is preferred, the minder 110 may be held in different locations, suchas the front or sides of the user 199.

In other embodiments, the minder 110 may have an outer shell that issubstantially, or partially, malleable and poseable. This may allow theuser 199 to place the minder 110 in the correct position on his/herbody, and then press against the minder 110, such that the outer shellof the minder 110 conforms to the user 199. This may make it much morecomfortable for the user 199 to wear the posture device 100, 200 forlong periods of time, and it may assist the minder 110 in maintain thecorrect position relative to the user 199. The malleable and poseablematerial may be a putty type material. In one embodiment the user 199may form the malleable and poseable outer shell by lying on his/her backor pressing his/her back up against a wall.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of the posture improvementsystem interface and shows the user device as a smart phone.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of one embodiment of the posture improvementsystem interface and shows the user device as a laptop computer. Asshown in FIGS. 4 and 5, one embodiment of the posture improvement systeminterface 420 may be displayed on the display screen of a user device.In this manner the user may receive real time warnings and updates fromthe posture device 100, 200. Although FIGS. 4 and 5 show the userdevices 400, 500 as a smart phone and laptop computer, the user devicemay be other computing devices, such as a smart watch, a keyboard, amouse, eyewear, a tablet, a chair, a monitor, a smart television, orsome other device that is used or worn by a user.

FIGS. 4 and 5 also show that the posture improvement system may comprisea user device 400, 500, which operates and displays a postureimprovement system interface 420. The system interface 420 may comprisean OPP layout 425 (such as a bullseye, target, concentric circles, apictograph (which may be relevant such as a spine that a user tries tokeep in an optimum graphical shape) and a posture target ball 430, whichis shown as a ball, but may be any shape. For purposes of thisdisclosure the terms bullseye and target may mean the same thing. Invarious embodiments, the posture improvement system may be a softwareapplication 410, 510 running on the user device 400, 500 that interfaceswirelessly with the minder 110 in order to determine whether the user ismaintaining his/her OPP. FIGS. 4 and 5 also show that the systeminterface 420 may be displayed in the background or foreground of thedisplay screen of the user device 400, 500. When in the foreground, thesystem interface 420 may overlap another program 530. Although systeminterface 420 is shown as a concentric circle target 425 and posturetarget ball 430, it should be understood that other shapes or graphicscould be used, so long as the user is provided with informationregarding the maintenance of his/her OPP. The system interface 420 mayprovide a user friendly depiction of one's posture by displaying theposture of the user through a simple, visual depiction.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of one embodiment of the posture improvementsystem interface and shows pop up interface windows. As shown in FIG. 6,one embodiment of the system interface 420 may comprise an OPP layout425, a posture target ball 430, an instructions screen 605, a warningsettings screen 610, a devices screen 620, and an OPP settings screen630. The additional screens 605, 610, 620, and 630 may be displayed whenneeded and hidden when not needed to provide an uncluttered look to thesystem interface 420. The system interface 420 may appear similar to alevel with a digital bubble.

In one embodiment, the instructions screen 605 may be positioned to theright of the system interface 420 and may provide instructions forcalibrating and using the posture system. The instructions may beprovided in any form, including text, videos, graphics, flow charts,and/or pictures. The instructions screen 605 or another screen that ispart of the software program may allow the user to set up and/orcalibrate the posture system. Preferably, the set up and calibration maybe accomplished through a decision tree or wizard that takes the userstep-by-step through the process. In one embodiment, the system mayprompt the user to input basic information such as his or her height andweight. The user may also input information regarding any pain the usermay be experiencing. Upon receiving the information from the user, thesoftware program may prompt the user to place the minder 110 in theproper position. In an additional embodiment, the software program mayprovide the user with textual, pictorial, or video instructions 605 inorder to further guide the user to the proper position for the minder110.

The warning settings screen 610 may allow the user to set and change thewarnings used by the system interface 420 for notifying the user whenhe/she is not in OPP. For example, in one embodiment, the user may firstselect the appropriate device for setting the warnings. The presentationof devices may be related to the devices screen 620. Once a device isselected, such as a phone, as shown in FIG. 6, the user may then selecthow the phone will warn the user of misalignment or when the user is notin his/her OPP. In various embodiments, the user may choose to benotified or warned via sound notification, change in color, flash oflight or change in brightness, vibration, current or shock, other typeof sensory warning, or a change in the functionality of the device.Preferably, the user sets the warnings for each device loaded in thedevices screen. All warnings may be adjustable. For example, the volumeof the sound warning may also be adjustable, and the brightness of theflash of light may also be adjustable. Additional colors may beselected. The strength of the vibration may be adjustable.

The devices screen 620 may allow a user to select those user devicesthat will communicate with the sensor device 100, 200. The user devicesmay include, but are not limited to: a smart phone 400, laptop computer500, a smart watch, a keyboard, a mouse, a tablet, a chair, a monitor,eyewear, a smart television, or some other device that is used or wornby a user. In some embodiments, there is no real time user device, andthe warnings are provided directly by the sensor device 100, 200. Inthis manner, the sensor device 100, 200 may directly warn the user viasound, light, touch (poke), vibration, and/or click. The sensor device100, 200 may include an integrated additional device that provides sucha warning, or one of the existing portions of the sensor device 100, 200may provide the warning.

The OPP settings screen 630 may allow the user to select one or morepositions to associate with an OPP. The positions are various seated,standing, and active positions, including, but are not limited to:watching media (including, but not limited to, phone, tablet,television, and virtual reality imaging); sport/activity (including, butnot limited to, walking, running, cycling, golf, baseball, basketball,yoga, snowboarding, skiing, and football); driving; working, including,but not limited to, telephone, computer, and stand up desk); hospitalbed/bed ridden; travel (airplane travel); interactive games (computerand board games); presentations; personal confidence; repetitiveoccupational motion; specific occupational needs. Once the OPP settingsare inputted into the system, the user may then calibrate each of theOPP by donning the sensor device 100, 200 and assuming the approximatecorrect position.

Once the posture improvement system is calibrated and set up, the usermay use the system to ensure that the OPP is maintained during use. Thisis done by activating and donning the sensor device 100, 200. The usermust also select a user device and open the system interface 420 on thatdevice. The system interface 420 may then inform the user whetherhis/her OPP is being maintained (see FIG. 8).

In one embodiment, the system interface 420 may alert the user to takeperiodic activity breaks, such as standing and/or stretching. The systeminterface 420 may also suggest a particular activity for the user toengage in during the activity break based on information regarding userpain and user conformance to his/her OPP.

Preferably, the user may switch from one OPP to another. This switch maybe manual inputted by the user, thereby informing the system of thechange. The switch may also be automatic, such that the minder 110determines that the user has switched positions and intuitively changesto the more correct and appropriate OPP. This automatic switchpreferably allows the user to confirm or reject the automatic switch.Regarding the automatic switch, in one embodiment, the system includes:a sensor device; and a posture improvement software program installed onmultiple user devices, which possesses a notification system of OPP andan OPP display. This embodiment highlights the need for a smart andseamless network recognition system of the multiple user devices, suchthat the user is notified only on the appropriate user device. Thedescription of “appropriate user device” in this embodiment is describedby: proximity to other user devices, level and or the activity of theuser, and user devices in use. In one example, where the seamlessnetworking recognition system utilizes proximity as the primary factorfor user device selection, a user working at a computer will have theposture improvement software displayed on the computer screen. Once theuser discontinues work and leaves the proximity of the computer, theposture improvement software is no longer required to be running on thecomputer. The sensor device seamlessly transitions the postureimprovement software system to display on the next appropriate userdevice. This user device may be a smart phone, a tablet computer, asmart watch, other wearable devices, or other suitable device for OPPnotification display or activity. Furthermore, the sensor device or theuser device may relay information regarding active use of specific userdevices as a mechanism for seamless network sensing (i.e. proximity to acomputer workstation and/or the user is engaged in active use of a smartphone for an extended period, therefore, the posture improvementsoftware displays on the smart phone). In another example, where a userchooses to engage in exercise by running, the activity level and patternof movement detected by the sensor device will select a smart watch asthe most appropriate user device, as opposed to a smart phone. Inaddition to these examples, a hybrid model that utilizes both proximityand activity may also be used to determine the appropriate device inwhich to activate the interface. In various embodiments, seamlessswitching between devices may be performed either automatically by thesensor, or manually selected by the user. In addition, seamlessswitching determination may be performed by the sensor device, or theuser devices.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of one embodiment of the posture improvementsystem interface and shows an activity display. As shown in FIG. 7, oneembodiment of the system may require that the user take a periodicactivity break. In one embodiment, the user is required to stretch invarious directions. The target 425 of system interface 420 may beoverlaid with a crosshair 700. The system may then require that the usermove the posture target ball 430 within the crosshair 700 in thedirection of the arrows 710, 711, 712, 713. This may be performed byhaving the user stretch to the right, back, left, and forward, whichconcurrently moves the posture target ball 430 in the correct directionwithin the crosshair 700. This gamification of taking a break may promptthe user to actually comply with the request of taking an activitybreak. The periodic activity reminders may be set for any period,including, but not limited to, once every ten minutes, once every twentyminutes, once every thirty minutes, once an hour, and the like. In otherembodiments, the user may be required to follow the ball to get to thetarget exercise or stretch position.

FIGS. 8A-E are illustrations of several embodiments of the postureimprovement system interface and shows warnings. As shown in FIGS. 8a-e, one embodiment of the system displays the system interface 420 to theuser. When the user is physically maintaining his/her OPP 800, theposture target ball 430 may be at the center of the target 425. When OPPis not maintained as shown in the interfaces 810, 830, 840, 850, inFIGS. 8B-E, the posture target ball 430 may move out of the center ofthe target 425, and alarm, such as a sound 811, 831, flash of light orcolor change 841, vibration 851, or a change in the functionality of auser device may activate. Preferably, the sensitivity of the alarm isadjustable. The sensitivity, for example, may be very high, such thatwhen as little as 1% of the posture target ball 430 moves out of thecenter of the target 425, the alarm may activate. The sensitivity mayalso be set very low, such that the entire posture target ball 430 mustleave the center of the target 425 in order to activate the alarm.Interface 810 shows a high sensitivity setting, in which an alarm hassounded. Interface 820, on the other hand, shows a low sensitivitysetting, in which the posture target ball has moved the same as postureimprovement system interface 810 without activating the alarm.

Allowing the user to adjust the sensitivity, which, in one embodiment,may simply be pulled up and manipulated from interface 420, preferablyhelps eliminate beginner frustration from having multiple alarmsactivate. One of the benefits of the posture improvement system ispreferably creating a fun and challenging game for the user to keephis/her posture within the OPP. This makes it much more likely that theuser will actually use the device to improve his/her posture.

The configuration of the system to issue alarms may help train the userto use OPP through behavioral modification and negative feedback. Byalarming, prodding, and repeatedly reminding the user of improperposture, the system is ensuring that the user is aware of when he/she isnot in OPP. Additionally, because the alarm does not cease until theuser is in his/her OPP, the user may learn to practice his/her OPP afterrepeated exposure to the alarm.

In one embodiment, the posture improvement system has a multi-stagealarm or series of alarms, wherein the first alarm may be a change ininterface screen color. The user may be able to view the color changevia peripheral vision, and make minor corrections to maintain theposture target ball 430 in the very center of target 425. This “game” ofkeeping the ball 430 in the dead center of target 425 is an importantaspect of making the possibly very strenuous task of maintaining perfectOPP, a fun game, which significantly increases the chance that the usercontinue to use the posture improvement system. In another embodiment,the posture improvement system has a second alarm that activates if thefirst alarm is repeatedly ignored or if the posture target ball 430misaligns past a certain point, such as if the posture target ball 430completely leaves the smallest concentric circle of target 425, as shownin FIG. 8E. This second alarm may preferably be a more obtrusive alarm,such as a vibration or sound, which the user has a harder time ignoring.

FIG. 8A shows that the posture target ball 430 may preferably be smallerthan the smallest concentric ring of target 425, such that the user maykeep the entire target ball 430 within the smallest concentric ring.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of another embodiment of the postureimprovement system and shows that the system may be entirely containedon a user's mobile computing device. As shown in FIG. 9, the postureimprovement software may utilize the existing accelerometers andgyroscopes of a mobile computing device 911 in order to improve a user'sposture. When a user lowers his/her head as shown in 910 when using amobile computing device 911, the posture improvement system maytemporarily disable the mobile computing device 911 until the userbrings the mobile computing device 911 up as shown in 920. Thisalternative embodiment does not generally require the gf device 100,200, and it is directed primarily to having the user raise his/her headwhile using a mobile computing device 911.

In another embodiment, the software program may prompt the user tonavigate to a website. This may allow a professional to see the user viaa camera. This professional may then be able to assist the user inestablishing the OPP. Additionally, in another embodiment, the postureimprovement system may be integrated into the larger health improvementgoals of a user, including a diet or exercise program.

In one embodiment, the posture improvement software, in addition toproviding real-time feedback via the interface 420, may store thealignment/misalignment data, such that the user can view the data and/orcreate graphs or reports, which may assist a user in understanding howto improve his/her posture. In this manner, the user can track his/herposture progress and work on any issues that repeatedly occur. The usermay also be able to compare his/her progress with that of other users,which may further encourage the users to improve their posture based onthe competition that may arise.

FIG. 10A is an illustration of a user sitting in his/her OPP. When theuser 199 is sitting in front of a screen 1010, as shown in FIG. 10A, OPPis determined to be the position at which the user 199 is seated on achair 1015 with both knees at a 90° degree angle and both feet placedflat on the ground. The back of the user should also lie substantiallyflat against the vertical back of the chair 1015. Additionally, thescreen 1010 may be positioned approximately eye level of the user.

FIG. 10B is an illustration of a user standing in his/her OPP. As shownin FIG. 10B, the OPP of user 199 while standing may occur when the user199 is standing with his/her back substantially straight and withhis/her feet substantially flat on a surface. Additionally, in otherembodiments, a footrest 1020 may be used. The footrest 1020 may beplaced beneath a foot of the user 199 while the other foot of the userremains behind the footrest 1020. In the event a footrest 1020 is used,OPP may occur when the user 199 alternates which foot he/she places onthe footrest 1020.

FIGS. 11A-C is an illustration of one embodiment of the postureimprovement system interface and shows the interface providing differentusers with their postural behavior patterns. FIGS. 11A-C show that theposture improvement system may include a conditioning program. Aftergathering data on a user's behavior, such as a user's ability, orinability, to keep the posture target ball within the target, theconditioning program analyzes the data and presents it to the user, suchthat the user can recognize their own postural behavior patterns. Theconditioning program uses temporal tracking of the target ball whichallows the conditioning program to select a specific conditioningactivity to correct improper posture. FIG. 11A shows that User 1 1101has very good postural behavior and the pattern 1111. Accordingly, theconditioning program recommends a basic stretch interval program. FIG.11B shows that User 2 1103 has good postural behavior and the pattern1113, but there is room for improvement. User 2 1103 frequently leansforward and to the right. The conditioning program selects or creates aninterval program, which is also referred to as a conditioning regimen oractivity interval program, which matches with User 2's deficiencies.FIG. 11C shows that User 3 1105 has good postural behavior and thepattern 1115, but there is room for improvement. User 3 1105 frequentlyleans back and to the left. The conditioning program determines whetherthe user is just leaning against the chair or has a more severe badposture behavior. If just leaning back, then a basic stretch intervalprogram is recommended by the conditioning program. If bad posture, theconditioning program selects a more appropriate conditioning regimen iscreated or selected that matches with User 3's deficiencies.

Another embodiment of the posture improvement system may comprise aprogram for gradually improving posture and may comprise: a smart phoneor other user device; a posture improvement software program operatingon the smartphone or other user device; and information gathered by theuser regarding physical body type and size, physical capabilities, andgoals of the user. The information gathered from the user may beutilized by the posture improvement software program to form a gradualexercise, stretch, and conditioning program such that proper postureachieved in a safe manner. The gradual conditioning program may beseparated into three consecutive phases: stretch and activity phase;time spent in perfect posture (OPP) phase; and a phase of good, butrelaxed, posture. The gradual conditioning program may determine,preferably through an algorithm the ratio of time to be spent in eachphase, such that the user may gradually build muscle capacity to performthe OPP phase for longer periods of time. Example 1: if the user isreally strong then the program may comprise a 5 minute stretch, 30minutes OPP, and 25 minutes relaxed posture (cycle time 1 hour). Overtime, the program may change to a 5 minute stretch, 50 minutes OPP, anda 5 minute relaxed posture, and so on. Example 2: if the beginning useris relatively weak with limited mobility, the program may start with a10 minute stretch, 10 minutes of OPP, and 40 minutes of relaxed posture.Over time, the program may increase difficulty to 10 minutes of stretch,20 minutes of OPP, and 30 minutes relaxed posture, and so on. Thisembodiment may also include an intensive conditioning program at theinitiation of an OPP setting—i.e. at a work station. This feature mayrequire a higher ratio of perfect posture time phase, and less timespent in stretch and relaxed posture. Subsequently, the gradualconditioning program will be resumed for the remainder of time spent atthe workstation.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of another embodiment of the postureimprovement system interface. FIG. 12 shows that the posture improvementsystem interface 1200 may comprise two interface graphics 1202 and 1203presented side by side. In one embodiment, graphic 1202 may be a sideview of a spine 1212. As the user tilts or hunches in a forward andbackward manner, the minder relays these movements to the interface 1200and the movements are shown in graphic 1202. When the user maintainsOPP, the spine 1212 is within first parameter 1213, 1214. When the userfails to maintain OPP, the spine 1212 graphic is shown crossing firstparameter 1213, 1214. When this happens a first alarm may activate. Thefirst alarm may preferably be the first parameters 1213 and/or 1214lighting up or turning a specific color. If the user moves significantlyout of alignment in a forward or backward manner, the spine 1212 graphicmay be shown to cross second parameters 1215, 1216 and/or thirdparameters 1217, 1218. When this happens a second, third, fourth, ormore alarms may activate. These additional alarms may be color changesor lighting up of parameters 1215, 1216, 1217, 1218, sounds, vibrations,or even disablement of user device(s).

FIG. 12 also shows that interface graphic 1203 may be a forward or rearview of an avatar 1204 of the user. As the user leans to the left or theright, the minder relays these movements to the interface 1200 and themovements are shown in graphic 1204. When the user maintains OPP, theavatar is shown in an optimal straight position. FIG. 12 shows that theavatar mirrors the user's left and right 1205, 1206 leaning, as the userleans in real life. When the user leans too much to the left or therights one or more alarms may activate to notify the user that he or sheis not maintaining OPP.

In one embodiment of the posture improvement system, the conditioningprogram automatically (preferably via an algorithm) determines therelaxed posture position from the OPP.

Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions,magnitudes, sizes, locations, and other specifications that are setforth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, areapproximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable rangethat is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with whatis customary in the art to which they pertain.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment has been presentedfor the purposes of illustration and description. While multipleembodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparentto those skilled in the art from the above detailed description, whichshows and describes the illustrative embodiments. These embodiments arecapable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of protection. Accordingly, thedetailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and notrestrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or moreembodiments may be practiced in combination or conjunction with oneanother. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particularembodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection. Itis intended that the scope not be limited by this detailed description,but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appendedhereto.

Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated orillustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedicationof any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, orequivalent, to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recitedin the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for improving posture, comprising: asensor device; and a posture improvement software program, comprising aposture improvement system interface; wherein said sensor device isconfigured to be physically associated with a user; wherein said sensordevice communicates with said posture improvement software program;wherein said sensor device comprises one or more sensors; wherein saidone or more sensors monitor a physical position of said user and one ormore movements of said user; wherein said posture improvement softwareprogram is configured to operate on one or more user devices; whereinsaid posture improvement system interface is displayed to said user onsaid one or more user devices; wherein said posture improvement softwareprogram is configured to collect information about said user; whereinsaid system for improving posture calculates one or more optimumpostural positions for said user, based on data communicated by saidsensor device and said collected information about said user; whereinsaid system for improving posture monitors a conformance of said userwith at least one of said one or more optimum postural positions;wherein said system for improving posture displays said conformance onsaid posture improvement system interface; and wherein said postureimprovement system detects and notifies said user of one or morenon-conformances, such that a user is reminded to maintain said at leastone of said one or more optimum postural positions.
 2. The system forimproving posture of claim 1, wherein said displaying of saidconformance of said user with at least one of said one or more optimumpostural positions is displayed via a pictograph.
 3. The system forimproving posture of claim 2, wherein said pictograph is a visualdepiction of an avatar of said user.
 4. The system for improving postureof claim 3, wherein as said user moves, said sensor device relays one ormore movements of said user to said posture improvement softwareprogram, such that said posture improvement system interface displayssaid one or more movements of said user as one or more correspondingmovements of said avatar of said user.
 5. The system for improvingposture of claim 4, wherein when said user fails to maintain said atleast one of said one or more optimum postural positions, said avatar ofsaid user is shown not maintaining proper posture and said postureimprovement system interface notifies said user of said one or morenon-conformances.
 6. The system for improving posture of claim 1,wherein said sensor device is configured to be affixed to said user viaan adhesive.
 7. The system for improving posture of claim 1, whereinsaid posture improvement system interface comprises an optimal postureposition layout.
 8. The system for improving posture of claim 7, whereinsaid optimal posture position layout is selected from the group ofoptimal posture position layouts consisting of one or more of: apictograph; a bullseye; a target; a target posture ball; andcombinations thereof.
 9. The system for improving posture of claim 1,wherein said one or more optimum postural positions are selected fromthe positions consisting of: seated, standing, and active positions,including, a plurality of watching media position; a plurality ofsport/activity positions; a driving position; a plurality of workingpositions; a plurality of bed positions; a plurality of travelpositions; a plurality of interactive game positions; presentationpositions; a personal confidence position; a plurality of repetitiveoccupational motion positions; and a plurality of specific occupationalneeds positions.
 10. The system for improving posture of claim 1,wherein said one or more user devices are selected from the group ofdevices consisting of: a smart phone; a laptop computer; a smarttelevision; a mouse; a monitor; a chair; a tablet; a smart watch; akeyboard; eyewear, and a computer.
 11. The system for improving postureof claim 1, wherein a sensitivity of said notifying of said one or morenon-conformances is adjustable.
 12. The system for improving posture ofclaim 1, wherein said posture improvement software program furthercomprises an activity notification.
 13. The system for improving postureof claim 1, wherein said posture improvement software system comprises aconditioning program; wherein said conditioning program recommends aninterval program based on a postural behavior of said user; and whereinsaid conditioning program provides insight to said user regarding saidpostural behavior of said user.
 14. A system for improving posture,comprising: a sensor device; and a posture improvement software program,comprising a posture improvement system interface; wherein said sensordevice is configured to be physically associated with a user; whereinsaid sensor device communicates with said posture improvement softwareprogram; wherein said sensor device comprises one or more sensors;wherein said one or more sensors monitor a physical position of saiduser and one or more movements of said user; wherein said postureimprovement software program is configured to operate on one or moreuser devices; wherein said posture improvement system interface isdisplayed to said user on said one or more user devices; wherein saidposture improvement software program is configured to collectinformation about said user; wherein said system for improving posturecalculates one or more optimum postural positions for said user, basedon data communicated by said sensor device and said collectedinformation about said user; wherein said system for improving posturemonitors a conformance of said user with at least one of said one ormore optimum postural positions; wherein said posture improvement systeminterface comprises an optimal posture position layout. wherein saidsystem for improving posture displays said conformance on said optimalposture position layout of said posture improvement system interface;and wherein said posture improvement system detects and notifies saiduser of one or more non-conformances, such that a user is reminded tomaintain said at least one of said one or more optimum posturalpositions.
 15. The system for improving posture of claim 14, whereinsaid displaying of said conformance of said user with at least one ofsaid one or more optimum postural positions is displayed on said optimalposture position layout via a pictograph.
 16. The system for improvingposture of claim 15, wherein said pictograph is a visual depiction of anavatar of said user.
 17. The system for improving posture of claim 16,wherein as said user moves, said sensor device relays one or moremovements of said user to said posture improvement software program,such that said posture improvement system interface displays said one ormore movements of said user as one or more corresponding movements ofsaid avatar of said user.
 18. The system for improving posture of claim17, wherein when said user fails to maintain said at least one of saidone or more optimum postural positions, said avatar of said user isshown not maintaining proper posture and said posture improvement systeminterface notifies said user of said one or more non-conformances. 19.The system for improving posture of claim 1, wherein a sensitivity ofsaid notifying of said one or more non-conformances is adjustable.
 20. Asystem for improving posture, comprising: a sensor device; and a postureimprovement software program, comprising a posture improvement systeminterface; wherein said sensor device is configured to be affixed tosaid user via an adhesive; wherein said sensor device communicates withsaid posture improvement software program; wherein said sensor devicecomprises one or more sensors; wherein said one or more sensors monitora physical position of said user and one or more movements of said user;wherein said posture improvement software program is configured tooperate on one or more user devices; wherein said posture improvementsystem interface is displayed to said user on said one or more userdevices; wherein said posture improvement software program is configuredto collect information about said user; wherein said system forimproving posture calculates one or more optimum postural positions forsaid user, based on data communicated by said sensor device and saidcollected information about said user; wherein said system for improvingposture monitors a conformance of said user with at least one of saidone or more optimum postural positions; wherein said posture improvementsystem interface comprises an optimal posture position layout. whereinsaid system for improving posture displays said conformance on saidoptimal posture position layout of said posture improvement systeminterface; and wherein said posture improvement system detects andnotifies said user of one or more non-conformances, such that a user isreminded to maintain said at least one of said one or more optimumpostural positions; wherein said displaying of said conformance of saiduser with at least one of said one or more optimum postural positions isdisplayed on said optimal posture position layout via a pictograph;wherein said pictograph is a visual depiction of an avatar of said user;wherein as said user moves, said sensor device relays one or moremovements of said user to said posture improvement software program,such that said posture improvement system interface displays said one ormore movements of said user as one or more corresponding movements ofsaid avatar of said user; wherein when said user fails to maintain saidat least one of said one or more optimum postural positions, said avatarof said user is shown not maintaining proper posture and said postureimprovement system interface notifies said user of said one or morenon-conformances; and wherein a sensitivity of said notifying of saidone or more non-conformances is adjustable.